Beginning barre, center floor, and movement combinations. Phrase material learned in class is performed for class members and for an end of semester informal presentation. Students are required to attend live performances and view dance video work outside of class. May be repeated for up to 4 credits. F, S

Objectives

To develop better understanding and control of your body as an instrument of expression through the art of dance.

To develop a fundamental ballet vocabulary of movement and movement qualities.

To develop musicality and music awareness.

Focus on performance quality and performance intent.

To develop observational skills when viewing dance as an art form.

Method of Presentation and Course Content

In order to reach the objectives of this course, experiential learning is the only method acceptable. In order to know dance wholly, it must be experienced kinesthetically, spatially, rhythmically, emotionally, and intellectually through the expression of movement. You will dance in combination with imitation, visualization and interpretation of instructor movement demonstration, verbal guidance, and sound and music. In order to learn, you must be willing to attempt new and challenging activities without fear of failure and be supportive of your classmates’ learning process.

Classes are designed to follow a natural progression; both conceptually and physiologically. Class most usually will begin with fundamental exercises to warm the body, focusing on body awareness and body alignment narrowing down to specific body parts. This progression is designed to gradually prepare your body for the more active movements and combinations at the end of class. For this reason, you must participate in the exercises at the beginning of each class for you to safely dance the entirety of class. Improvisation will be used to explore movement concepts as well as cognitive skills.

EVALUATION and GRADING

Regular and active participation. Your participation grade will be based upon your attendance and active involvement in class activities. To receive full credit you need to be fully involved in class. If you cannot participate physically on any given day you will still be expected to participate intellectually by watching the class and writing a synopsis of that class.

YOU CANNOT MAKE-UP CLASSES YOU HAVE MISSED by attending other classes.

ANY TARDY STUDENT MUST RECEIVE PERMISSION FROM THE INSTRUCTOR IN ORDER TO JOIN IN THE CLASS THAT IS ALREADY IN PROGRESS! As a general rule, if you hear the music playing and/or it is 5 minutes past the start time of class, you are too late to participate.

You will be expected to attend each class on time, properly attired. I want to see your body and I expect a neat and functional appearance. Shoes are optional. Avoid big jewelry or loose hair. Be ready to move.

Skills Level/Attainment & Final These will be evaluations of your overall level in ballet and your improvement throughout the semester.

Attendance of a live Dance performance. A 1-2 page typewritten critical description of what you saw and your critical reaction is required. You will need to attach your ticket stub to the report. All papers must be typed. I will not accept handwritten or late papers.

B= 179-160 very good to outstanding work most of the time demonstrating a high degree of excellence in performance in terms of skill, growth, participation, attendance, theoretical and aesthetic understanding, particularly as the term progresses.

We will have the option to participate in Dance Open House, in Jensen Hall Monday December 6, 6-7:30 pm. The class will decide if we wish to present a 2 minute performance based upon the work we have done in class. Extra credit will be given to each participating student.